Through its endowment and one-time gifts, Trinity University supports tenured and tenure-track faculty in their pursuit of excellence related to teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. Current faculty members are encouraged to discuss their goals and needs with their department chair.
The extraordinary success of Trinity faculty members in attracting funding from external sources is a strong statement that speaks to the high caliber of research, scholarship, and creative activities.
Academic Leaves
Academic Leaves
In accordance with Trinity policy, the Provost, upon the recommendation of the Faculty Development Committee (FDC) awards academic leaves to eligible faculty.
Academic leaves may be granted for either one semester, for a full academic year, or for a summer.
The application process is competitive. Online applications for the coming year open in May.
Fellowships and Stipends
Summer Stipends
In accordance with University policy, the Provost, upon the recommendation of the Faculty Development Committee (FDC) awards competitive summer stipends on an annual basis.
The purpose of a summer stipend is to encourage faculty to develop research projects, intensive scholarly activities, and activities in the creative and performing arts.
The application process is competitive. Online applications for the coming year open in May.
Early Career Faculty Fellowships
Early Career Faculty Fellowships will be used to attract and retain outstanding pre-tenure faculty. The summer stipend will enable the faculty member to pursue their own research and professional development activities.
While some of the fellowships are restricted by the donor to a specific academic department, those which are unrestricted will be designated by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs per the Faculty Handbook.
Research Activity
Travel and Special Project Grants
The University provides travel support to full-time faculty to attend professional conferences and to conduct research away from campus. Faculty members should contact their Department Chair to learn more about the availability of resources.
Special Project Grants are awarded to: (1) to support projects associated with a faculty member’s academic leave or summer stipend or (2) to provide, within budgetary limits, the funding of separate projects which cannot be funded within the guidelines of other institutional grant offerings. Faculty members who seek a Special Project Grant must first consult with their Department Chair to initiate a request.
Start-Up Funding
Getting a good start in a new career is mutually beneficial to both the new hire and the institution. Scholarship and creative work inform what faculty bring to the classroom, keeping learning fresh, vibrant, and at the cutting edge of the discipline. Incoming faculty members should discuss their start-up needs with their chair at the time of hire.
Undergraduate Student Research
Trinity is at its best when undergraduate students and faculty members partner to conduct innovative and original research, scholarship, and creative activities. With their faculty mentors, Trinity students regularly co-author papers and present at national conferences.
Trinity’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program is administered by the Office of Undergraduate Research in collaboration with schools, departments, and members of the faculty.